Degree ‘first’ for Banbridge health student

A Banbridge woman has become one of the first people in Northern Ireland to achieve a new qualification in mental health coaching.

Vanessa Murraywas one of 11 people to graduate in a new qualification pioneering support for mental health recovery through life coaching.

The first graduates of the Advanced Diploma in Mental Health and Wellbeing Coaching: from Recovery to Discovery, received their qualifications at a ceremony held at the Stormont Hotel on Friday attended by Health Minister, Jim Wells.

Life coaching has become a valuable resource for those seeking support in their personal or professional development. Coaching to support recovery for people with mental health needs has been developing in the USA and is emerging as a form of recovery support. Prior to the Advanced Diploma piloted by the charity, no coaching qualifications have focused on its application supporting those with complex mental health needs.

Vanessa explained why she undertook the qualification:“I wanted to be able to move people forward from the past into a better future of opportunities yet traditional counselling doesn’t really allow that.

“I was attracted to the coaching course as it offered a different, more positive, method for me to help my clients. The training from Mindwise and Kingstown College is exceptional, and the many tools and techniques I learned on this course has greatly improved my skill level in dealing with clients and allows me to help people realise their full potential. The charity believes the coaching qualification is an important step towards the kind of person centred practice and care that ultimately will aid more people in their recovery; helping them to live well in the presence or absence or their mental health needs.

“It is a change in approach to mental health and care underlined by the Department of Health Social Services and Public Safety’s Transforming Your Care agenda, and Psychological Therapies Framework.”

Commenting at the graduation, Jim Wells MLA, Minister for Health Social Services and Public Safety said: “Mindwise, along with Kingstown College, are to be commended for drawing on their considerable expertise to develop this new and innovative programme. There is a growing recognition that coaching promotes positive mental wellbeing, which is fundamental to our quality of life. Complementing the services delivered by our health trusts, coaching can help improve the lives of those living with mental health problems by helping people to maintain good physical health, develop a sense of self-worth and contribute to their community.”

The qualification aims to ensure practitioners are experienced, qualified and quality assured to meet the needs of people with mental health problems through the application of a range of coaching tools and techniques.